Nicklaus says Woods will now struggle to match his record of 18 majors

New York, Jan 10(ANI): Former American golfer Jack Nicklaus has said that scandal-hit golfing superstar Tiger Woods will find it tough to match his record of 18 major championships now.

Woods currently has 14 majors going into a year in which three majors will be held on his favourite courses - Augusta National, Pebble Beach and St Andrews.

However, Nicklaus feels that if Woods' "indefinite break" from golf stretches too far into 2010 then his major record may yet live to fight another generation.

"If Tiger is going to pass my record, this is a big year for him in that regard," The Daily Express quoted Nicklaus, as saying.

"I don't know what he's going to do and what he's going to play. Certainly, this year with where the majors are - and he basically owns all three places," he added.

The 34-year-old has taken an indefinite break from the sport and has been in hiding since revelations about his marital infidelity surfaced last month.

Earlier, Woods' former coach Butch Harmon had said that he expected the World No.1 to return to play in the US open and The Open at St Andrews this summer.

Harmon, who coached Woods for 10 years until 2002 had said, "Those who say he will never play again are crazy."

"I think he will play this year. The reason I say that is two of the Major venues this year - the US Open at Pebble Beach and The Open at St Andrews - are two of his favourite places," he added.ANI)